Sparklines

Following on from a recent post about dashboard design, you must take a look at Bissantz’s Sparklines.

I am amazed at how much meaningful information can be displayed in such a small footprint.

Bonavista Systems have also implemented their own version of Sparklines and have integrated Stephen Few’s bullet graphs. They have called their product Micro Charts.

Sparklines are based on works by Edward Tufte. Edward has written a highly regarded book in the area around visual presentation of data called Beautiful Evidence.

One for the wish list.

Book: Information Dashboard Design

I’ve just finished reading Stephen Few’s excellent book Information Dashboard Design.

It makes for very interesting reading. Stephen points out many of the visual failings of existing ‘dashboard’ products from most if not all dashboard product vendors. He goes on to create a version of a dashboard which will surprise you in how simple and clear information can be presented. I certainly will be taking much of his thinking on board when designing reports.

This book is well worth the investment, particularly if you work with dashboard products or develop graphical reports.

It’s also worth taking a look at Stephens website perceptualedge.com for further examples. He also writes a interesting blog which is well worth reading.